THE YOUNG-HOLT UNLIMITED

The duo of bassist Eldee Young and drummer Isaac “Red” Holt, collectively known as The Young-Holt Unlimited, straddled the lines of jazz, soul & pop with more skill and flair than any other artist of their time. They first came to prominence as the rhythm section for jazz great Ramsey Lewis’ acclaimed trio from the mid-‘50s through the mid-‘60s, culminating in the 1965 Top 5 single “The In Crowd.” Young & Holt went off on their own the following year, signing with Brunswick where they released six albums (including one concert recording) through 1969. They were originally billed as “The Young Holt Trio” along with pianist Hysear Don Walker, where they cracked the Top 20 R&B chart (and Top 40 Pop) with the infectious “Wack Wack.” Their biggest hit came in 1968 with the million-selling Top 5 Pop/R&B smash “Soulful Strut.” This instrumental track was used as the basis for Barbara Acklin’s “Am I The Same Girl” the following year. Their songs have been used in numerous films, TV shows and advertisements, and even if you weren’t familiar with their name you likely know their music.

THE DEFINITIVE YOUNG-HOLT UNLIMITED (2005)